Are you searching for a career that not only pays the bills but also warms your heart? Well, have you ever thought about becoming a counsellor? It’s a path that offers you a chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives in more ways than you can imagine.  

If you’re someone with a compassionate nature and a desire to lend a helping hand, a career in counselling might be your calling. And besides being very satisfying, it’s a rewarding profession, too!  

Sounds good? Here are six more reasons why you should consider this amazing journey! 

1. You’ll Get a Great Salary Package 

Not only will you get a career where you make a difference to the people you’re helping, but you’ll also be richly rewarded for the work that you do. The average annual salary for Counsellor jobs in Australia ranges from $80,000 to $95,000. (Source: https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/counsellor/salary). The more experience you get in the field, the more you will be compensated. 

2. You Can Choose Your Own Adventure! 

Do you like having options? The world of counselling is full of exciting possibilities and specialties. Whether you’re drawn to marriage and family counselling, substance abuse treatment, career guidance, or mental health therapy, there’s a niche that aligns perfectly with your interests and passions. This diversity ensures that you never stop learning and exploring. Your counselling career can be a series of adventures, each more rewarding than the last. You won’t ever feel like you’re stuck in a career rut because there’s always something new and exciting to explore. 

3. It’s All About Self-Discovery 

Here’s a secret: counselling is not just about helping others; it’s also a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. To be an effective counsellor, you’ll need to develop some great interpersonal and communication skills. But here’s the best part – the more you help others understand themselves, the more you understand yourself. It’s like a double dose of self-improvement. So, not only are you changing lives, but you’re also evolving into a better version of yourself. 

4. Build A Career with Heart 

In today’s fast-paced world, more and more people are seeking counselling. The demand for talented counsellors is skyrocketing. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 42.9% of Australians aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some point in their life, and 38.8% of people aged 16–24 years have experienced a 12-month mental disorder.  

It’s no wonder that people are becoming more aware of mental health issues and the need for professionals who can provide support and guidance. That means job security and a rewarding career await you in counselling. 

5. Work the Way You Want 

Are you a free spirit? Do you like making your own rules? Counselling offers the freedom to choose your work environment. Whether you want to set up your private practice, work in a school, or be part of a mental health clinic, the power to choose is in your hands. In most cases, you can set your own hours and manage your caseload. This means you can create a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle. No more being tied to a rigid 9-to-5 schedule – you’re in control of your career and your life! 

6. Never Stop Learning! 

The counselling world is a vibrant, ever-changing place. New research, techniques, and therapies are constantly evolving. This means there’s always something new to learn and discover. You can attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay updated with the latest advancements. Lifelong learning keeps your skills sharp and allows you to serve your clients with the most up-to-date and effective methods. It’s like being in a never-ending search for knowledge, and the rewards are endless. 

So, there you have it – six reasons why counselling might just be your dream career. If you’ve got a heart full of compassion and a desire to help people overcome life’s challenges, counselling could be your ticket to making the world a better place, one person at a time!  

What are the Skills You Need? 

To excel as a counsellor, you need a specific set of essential skills: 

• Active Listening: Being an adept listener is a fundamental skill for any counsellor. It involves giving your full attention to clients; this means not just hearing their words, but also understanding their emotions, concerns, and non-verbal cues. 
• Non-Judgmental Attitude: Clients must feel safe and accepted during counselling sessions. Maintaining a non-judgmental approach is key to creating an environment where individuals can express themselves without fear of criticism. 
• Confidentiality: Counsellors must respect the confidentiality of their clients. This means respecting their privacy and keeping the information shared during sessions confidential. 
• Relationship-Building Skills: Establishing a strong relationship with clients is key to the success of counselling. Building trust and rapport is important to ensure effective communication and progress. 

• Compassion: Compassion is the heart of counselling. It involves a deep understanding of clients’ emotions and a genuine desire to help them overcome their challenges. 

Are these skills that you possess? If so, then you’re sure to excel as a counsellor! 

How Can You Start?

So, are you ready to start on this incredible journey of impact, self-discovery, and fulfilment? Counselling isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, a chance to make the world a better place, one person at a time. 

If you are new to the field, you should explore IHNA’s CHC51015 – Diploma of Counselling, a diploma course that is designed to give you a solid foundation in behavioural sciences.  This sought-after course will give you the real-world knowledge and practical skills that you need to make a mark in the Counselling field in Australia.  

This blended course can be studied online via live streaming. You can undertake this course from anywhere and become a qualified counsellor in just 52 weeks!  

So, go ahead, take that step, and start your adventure in counselling today. Your future as a counsellor could be just around the corner!